Proteomic Analysis of Endometrial Lavage Samples Provides New Insights into Proteins Important for Implantation.

Abstract

During the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, under the control of progesterone and oestrogen, increased secretory activity is a characteristic feature of endometrial epithelium. Secretions into the uterine lumen from the endometrium, also known as histotroph, contain important mediators that are postulated to modulate the endometrium in preparation for implantation and to contribute factors essential to the conceptus prior to and during implantation. To date, little is known about these secretions but analysis of their composition would provide a minimally invasive tool to assess the state of the endometrium. Recent advances in proteomic analysis provide the potential to assess the..